San Diego Mayor Rebuffs Calls To Resign Over Harassment Allegations

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SAN DIEGO (CBSLA.com) — San Diego Mayor Bob Filner rebuffed calls for his resignation Friday in the wake of multiple allegations of sexual harassment, but said he will take a leave of absence to undergo behavioral therapy.

Filner faced calls to step down after seven prominent San Diego County women went public with allegations of years of unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments, and groping.

When the allegations surfaced, Filner apologized for disrespecting women and said he needed help. But soon after, he said he was innocent of sexual harassment and resisted calls to leave office.

The allegations resulted in widespread calls for him to resign, plunging the nation’s eighth-largest city into political turmoil.

The former congressman was San Diego’s first Democratic mayor in 20 years.

The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee called on Filner to resign as did leaders of the San Diego Democratic party.